Who We Are
We are Gavin and Judy (the Taller, and the Smaller).
Our small, creative architecture studio is a collaboration between two people who love good sunlight, fresh pastries, and who give a sh*t.
We met studying Interior Architecture at The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and the Built Environment, Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, way back in 2001.
Since then, our friendship has become the foundation of a practice that really cares about our clients, our projects and the impact they have. We understand our role and responsibility, as architects, in the climate crisis, and are striving to reduce our impact and create a better world for future generations.
What we do
Our process starts with a conversation about the objectives and ambitions. We are good listeners, but also like to ask questions! This creates a collaborative relationship, which helps us understand our client and their specific needs, the site and the project.
Your project is important to you, and as a small practice, every attic conversion, house extension, new build house or community hub is important to us. We bring our enthusiasm, experience and curiosity to each challenge.
We believe everyone should live, work and experience spaces which are considered and meaningful.
Our Values
Co-creative
We collaborate with our clients to create proposals to suit their unique needs and requirements.
Inspiration
We challenge preconceptions to create architecture bespoke to each project, site and client.
Attainable
We believe good architecture should be accessible to every client, project and budget.
Guidance
We use our experience to reduce risks, identify potential issues and overcome barriers.
Sustainable
We recognise our duty as designers to reduce our carbon footprint, advocating the use of natural and sustainable materials and methods of construction.
We are agents for change.
Gavin Kirk
MArch BSc (Hons) ARB RIBA RIAS
Gavin is passionate about client inclusion and involvement, building strong relationships as they work together on projects. As leader he collaborates well with consultants and uses his drive to progress and encourage enthusiasm throughout.
Gavin joined Woodside Parker with Phil Parker in 2011 after a year travelling. The practice changed to Woodside Parker Kirk in 2012 and when Phil retired in 2015, Gavin continued the practice’s work from the studio in Edinburgh with work throughout the Central belt, Perth and Fife.
Gavin studied at The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and the Built Environment at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, graduating in 2007. As part of his education at Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, Gavin spent a year working in Australia. At PTW, in Sydney, he worked on Jarrah House Womens Alcohol and Drug Advisory Centre, a residential rehabilitation centre for women and children. Completing his qualification, post uni, at Oberlanders, Gavin’s primary project was the extension to The Edinburgh University Centre for Sport and Excellence. Located at the Pleasance Courtyard, it acts as a Fringe venue during the festival.
Judy Jarvie
MArch BSc (Hons) ARB RIBA RIAS
Judy graduated from The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and the Built Environment at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, in 2007. She started her professional career at Anderson Bell Christie Architects, working as Project Architect in primary education, community and housing, for 12 years. After maternity leave for her second child, Judy moved to HLM and gained experience in larger public and higher education buildings, including the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and refurbishment of the the Boyd Orr Building for the University of Glasgow.
Judy joined Gavin at Woodside Parker Kirk in 2021. Since then she has enjoyed working on smaller, but more intimate projects, building up relationships with clients, understanding their needs and creating spaces for them that will change how they live and work, for the better. She loves old buildings and is passionate about conservation architecture.
Judy is involved in academia, as a volunteer mentor for MCR Pathways, and as a guest presenter to students at City of Glasgow College. For the last 3 years she has been a judge for Scottish Civic Trust’s My Place Photography Competition. She regularly attends Creative Mornings events, is a member of a monthly book group, and is a gaelic learner. She enjoys life drawing and photography.